Massive £20m holiday park expansion put on hold

Dorset Council has deferred a decision on Haven's £20 million expansion of its Weymouth Bay holiday park in Preston, which would add 240 caravans. The deferral followed a lengthy debate where nearby residents raised concerns about noise, smells, increased traffic (up to 400 vehicles daily), and flood risks. Councillor Craig Monks proposed the deferral to allow the committee to inspect the site, particularly near Forehill Close, where a resident claimed his family would become "hemmed in" by caravans. Haven says the expansion would create nearly 100 jobs, enhance biodiversity, plant 4,000 trees, and create public footpaths, but critics argue it would fundamentally change the character of Preston.